Nestled in Lake Maggiore, Isola Bella is a beautiful and unique destination. Our recent visit to this stunning island was a memorable experience, filled with breathtaking views, fascinating stories, and delightful surprises. From the moment we saw the island from the ferry, we knew we were in for a truly special adventure. Plan to spend at least 2–3 hours exploring.
Arrival by Ferry
Isola Bella looks like something out of a fairytale, with the grand silhouette of the palace and terraced gardens coming into view as you approach. We arrived after a short 10-minute ferry ride from Stresa, where we purchased return tickets at the port. Water taxis are also available; they are more expensive but offer greater flexibility. Timetables and tickets are available at the dock and online.
Touring Palazzo Borromeo
After disembarking, we followed the crowd to Palazzo Borromeo. We had the option to book a guided tour or use an audio guide, and we chose the latter for more flexibility with the kids. The palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with opulent salons, intricate stuccoes, and rooms filled with art, antique tapestries, and period furniture. We learned about the island’s history, including Napoleon’s stay-his room is still furnished in Empire style. The audio guide helped us learn a little about each room until our kids were ready to move on. We marveled at the gorgeous Murano glass chandeliers and the sheer size of the palace. One thing that surprised us was the number of unicorns we found throughout the palace and gardens, which delighted our four-year-old. We spent the day playing “I spy” unicorns around the property-a fun family game to see who can spot the most unicorns on your trip.
Exploring the Gardens
The gardens are truly breathtaking, arranged on ten terraces with statues and exotic plants from all over the world. The highlight for the kids was spotting the famous albino peacocks, who roam among the citrus trees and fountains. We were surprised by how many of these beautiful birds displayed their feathers. Be careful not to let the kids get too close, as the birds could get agitated. Make sure to meander around every corner, as each offers a new view, and don’t miss the greenhouse towards the end of the tour.
Relax at the Café
After exploring, we stopped by the gift shop, which offers souvenirs and locally crafted gifts. Nearby is the café, which was a welcome break. We took a seat in the shade overlooking the garden and lake, enjoying chocolate croissants, fresh orange juice, and a charcuterie platter while taking in the beautiful scenery. After running around in the garden, it was nice to sit and relax in the shade.
Purchasing Tickets
Buying tickets online made our visit much smoother. We entered quickly, and since we arrived before opening time, the staff let us in early, making us the first visitors of the day. This meant we could explore the palace and gardens without crowds. One important note: there are many stairs, so strollers aren’t practical-be prepared to carry little ones if needed.
Visiting Isola Bella was a truly enchanting family adventure that combined history, nature, and relaxation. Whether you’re marveling at the palace’s architectural splendor, wandering through the lush gardens, or simply soaking in the serene lake views, Isola Bella offers something magical for every traveler.